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7 Cozy Reasons This Stuffed Pasta Belongs on Your Dinner Table Recipe

7 Cozy Reasons This Stuffed Pasta Belongs on Your Dinner Table Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

This Garlic Herb Braided Bread is a flavorful and aromatic homemade bread featuring a blend of garlic, mixed herbs, and parmesan cheese braided into a soft, golden loaf. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack, this bread combines a tender crumb with a crispy crust, enhanced by a buttery garlic herb glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
  • 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) or 2 tbsp fresh herbs
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Topping

  • 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Optional Add-ins and Garnish

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dough Ingredients: Stir in the olive oil, minced or roasted garlic, mixed herbs, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour as needed to achieve a workable dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough either by hand or using a mixer for about 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add the grated parmesan cheese halfway through the kneading process to incorporate it evenly.
  4. First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
  5. Shape and Braid: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into 14–16 inch ropes, then braid the three ropes together tightly. Tuck the ends underneath the braid and place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the braided loaf loosely and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
  7. Preheat Oven & Prep Loaf: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf generously with melted butter and sprinkle on any optional toppings such as red pepper flakes or shredded mozzarella, if desired.
  8. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaf turns golden brown and smells fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing to serve.

Notes

  • Using instant yeast can reduce the rising times by about 15 minutes.
  • For a richer garlic flavor, substitute olive oil with garlic butter when mixing the dough.
  • This bread can also be baked in a loaf pan or shaped into a twisted ring for a different presentation.
  • Let the bread cool slightly before cutting to preserve its soft texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic herb bread, braided bread, homemade bread, garlic parmesan bread, easy bread recipe, savory bread

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/7-cozy-reasons-this-stuffed-pasta-belongs-on-your-dinner-table-recipe/